Sunday, April 14, 2013

Violette Field Threads Mashup

My daughter was invited to a special little girls 5th birthday party.  Automatically my creative side was all over pinterest looking for ideas for a birthday gift. I happened to run across this cute Ralph Lauren tribal dress and loved it. I like how the pattern was at a "v" instead of straight across.

 I knew that two patterns by Violette Field Threads would be perfect for recreating the dress; The Viola and Emmaline.
I loved the pattern of the dress but I didn't have anything cool as that in my stash. Plus summer is coming up and I wanted something a little brighter.  The closest I had was a pink, purple, and orange tribal print that  I received in a Girl Charlee bargain box sale ;) Its a  knit so I sized down the pattern to a 4 to account for the stretch. I used the Viola bodice and the skirt from the Emmaline. The only tricky part was cutting the skirt in a diagonal while leaving big scraps. I'm a fabric hoarder ;) I reduced the hem of the skirt by 3 in and the hem of the bottom ruffle by 1in to account for thr knit and the hem does tend to run a little long. I do recommend measuring the child. I had nothing to go by. So I guessed and got lucky.  I made a lettuce hem to make it cutesy and to save time of folding and hemming.  I wanted to make the rutching on the bodice but decided not to to save time. Overall it was a fun project and she loved spining in it during church.  So I guess it was a job well done. Happy 5th birthday Cali Rain!!

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Vogue 1315 Pattern Review


More often than most get to sew for my babies. I really want to branch out my talent and learn how to sew...well for me :) I love stretch knits because they are forgiving especially for the person like me who has yet to learn about fit. I knew when I saw this pattern that I would love it. I’ve seen a lot of reviews on this one and most of the people talked about the length of the dress and construction of the pockets. Here's my review..




Description:
Loose-fitting, pullover dress (semi-fitted through bust) has double-layer neck band with raw edge finish, blouson bodice, elastic, seamed waist, side front pockets, front pleats, and stitched hems

Pattern Sizing
Ladies 6-14

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes very much so. Though my fabric would not curl at the neckline as much :(

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes they were easy to follow at first but I think the intimation of the pocket got to me. :( It was my first time doing pockets. I'm sure a seasoned sewist would have no fear. I would suggest using a longer stitch if you are unsure about the pleat. So if you mess up, it’s easier to pick out. I felt the picture looked reverse than what it should have been or maybe pdf patters just have me spoiled lol.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved the pleated pockets and neckline. I'm 5'1 and it was a little on the short side but nothing a cute pair of leggings couldn't fix. If I was to make it again I would probably lengthen by 2 in because I don't like my dresses to o long.

Fabric Used
I’m Unsure. It’s an animal print from fabric mart.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes both

Conclusion:
Overall it’s a fun patter for fall. I love that it has long sleeves and was super easy to sew and looked great with my leggings and boots.
Pleated Pocket

Front View

 

Side View

Back View :)
Can see were leggings play into the outfit.

Love Love Love :0)
 
Thanks for checking me out.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Mango Lemonade

While playin around on instagram, I came across one of my friends pictures. He had a mango lemonade and was putting shots of Ciroc in it. It looked so good, I had to make my own.  So I was off. I bought what I thought would be good and for a first try it was not half bad. We didnt taste the Ciroc so I'm betting its one of those sneaky drinks :) You don't have to have it in there either because its yum but itself too. I'm sure there are plenty of recipes but here's mine.

Mango Lemonade

4c water
1c lemon juice
1c simple syrup
(I keep some in the fridge because granulated sugar doesn't dissolve fast enough in cold water)
1 can goya mango nectar

Lemon Mangoloso
Add Ciroc

Mix, add ice and a straw, and enjoy :)
And because I'm too lazy to take my own pic.... I'm going to steal his pic too lol.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Burda 7184 Pattern Review


Pattern Description:

New feminine silhouette with elegant swing. The raglan sleeves are granting wearing ease. The loosely draped front pieces with notched collar adds a special bling to it.

Pattern Sizing:
10-20
I cut a 12. I feel that the size was right for the drapeyness.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes it did.

 Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes they were very easy.

 What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
If you want to use stripes use extra caution. The sleeves are made in two pieces and the way they line up at the neckline is kinda funny. Lucky for me I was using a sweater knit and have T Rex arms. No one knows but me that the arms are a lil short. If you don't care for hemming; there was a lot. But once that's done it’s a breeze. Also the arms are cut curved, I prefer less curve for a less a bulky fitted sleeve.

 Fabric Used:
Striped sweater knit I bought just for a cardigan pattern from Girl Charlee. :)

 Pattern alterations or any design changes you made
I didn't make any.

 Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes I would both sew again and recommend.

Conclusion:
Overall this is a good pattern. Next one I make I will make some changes to the sleeves to make them a little more fitted. I love the "drapeyness" and flow of the sweater. I’ve worn it several times since I made it ;) you can wear it drapey, pair it with a belt at the waist. Or tie it. Love it! Sorry about the crappy pictures. It’s hard to find a place to stick my camera because we don’t have a tripod J

Happy sewing thanks for checking out my review.
 
 

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Ottobre Design 06/2012 Velour Tunic Review

ottobre 6/12
 
Pattern Description:
Pattern is a flowy tunic with frills and fitted wrist cuffs.
 
Pattern Sizing:
92-128cm
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes and no. It has the same shape but I instead of soft velour, I used a drapey black and gold mystery fabric from Girl Charlee.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes. So much that I don’t remember using them.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved it all. It was fun and easy to put together. No complaints here.
 
Fabric Used:
Stretchy ribbed sparkly gold and black mystery fabric. (Wow can you say a lot of adjectives haha)
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I did not stabilize shoulder seams. It worked out fine with my fabric choice.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes I would and Do recommend. It’s a very sweet top and with a cool fabric choice, I can be very fashion forward. My daughter absolutely loves it and has worn it over and over. I couldn’t be happier that she is :)
Conclusion:
It was an easy project and my daughter loves it. So that equals a win-win to me. This was my first Ottobre Design project and I love it. Just wish the woman’s mags were as awesome as the kid’s.

Ottobre 6/2012

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

McCall's 6184 Pattern Review


Pattern Description:
From McCall's:
CHILDREN'S, BOYS' AND GIRLS' COSTUMES: Wrap tops A, B have stitched hems and contrast belt; top A has long sleeves; top B is sleeveless; pullover top C has neckband, short sleeves, left shoulder VELCRO® closure, patch pocket, side slits and stitched hem; hat D has tie ends; pants E have waist casing, back patch pocket and stitched hems.

Pattern Sizing:
Children's 2-5 I used a 4 view B for a ninja costume.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it
Yes it did. It was a little on the big side but it still worked.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes they were.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
It came together well. The only dislike was the banding around the neck and opening. It called to slip stitch the whole thing. Yea right haha. I reduced the seam allowance and turned it in and top stitched it closed.
Fabric Used:
Refashioned large men's knit t shirts.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
No alterations. I just sewed it differently.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
If I needed another costume that uses it, then yes. I would recommend it

Conclusion:
Overall the pattern was very easy to use and my son absolutely adored it. It achieved the look we where going for and he couldn't wait to be a ninja.
 


Monday, December 31, 2012

New Look 6932 Review


Pattern Description:
Knit and Woven Children's Pajama Pattern
Pattern Sizing:
1/2-8
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow
Very easy
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This was my first experience with knit raglan tops. I just needed more practice to not get wavy necklines. Other than that I love everything about this pattern. This is my go to for comfy jammies for the kids. I use it to make knit jammie pants/shorts. Super cosy in the summer. I have not tried the ruffled view yet.
Fabric Used:
Pants: Flannels and Knits
Raglan Top: Ribbed and other Soft Knits
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Didn't make any changes to the pattern. Just tried with different fabrics.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I have sewn this multiple times. I have a freezer paper copy on hand :) So I would definitely recommend.
Conclusion:
This is my first pajama pattern and absolutely love how quick it comes together. Its fast, easy, and comfy. Perfect for you little one :)


I used a soft giraffe knit for the shorts version. He wanted to make a Hulk face ;) For the tank used an awesome free tutorial from Fishsticks Designs.


They are the pants on the left. Made his Christmas jammies a lil bigger this year because his ones from last year shot up 2 in above his ankles :)
The ones on the right are from the Alex & Anna Winter PJs another jammie favorite.

Thanks for checking out my review